Do u give ur pups raw or dried ears? With hair or without? Thanks

Hey guys! i’m wanting to make some dehydrated coconut chicken jerky for my dogs.

we currently do tumeric chicken and “chicken nuggets” (shredded coconut on diced chicken) And i’m wondering how do i do chicken jerky WITH liquid coconut?

is it the same as shredded where i lightly apply before dehydrating!?

Im asking because i thought i was in a good range because i thought actually my carb level was a bit high for homemade foods but a good happy medium between super high protein expensive homemade food and cheap high carb store bought but when I googled it again tonight it said 43% protein is not good and now I'm wondering because I don't know 😭 the numbers are the amount I calculated in grams though i don't have a kitchen scale available atm so I just took the servings on the package and multiplied them by the amount of servings it says is in the package and got these rough estimates, for reference this is 3 packs of ground chicken, 1 pack of frozen spinach, 1½ cups of natural brown long grain rice (dry), and 1 bag of shredded carrots, i put them all in a big pan, mix it up with enough water to hydrate the rice and to keep the other ingredients soft as my oldest dog's teeth are now not very useful or many, this is about 6 or more days worth for my 3 dogs, 11lbs, 13lbs, and 15lbs, my oldest dog is the 11lb one and I feed her almost as much as the other 2 combined because she's not holding as much weight as she used to and shes actually taller than them and I try to keep the other 2s' servings per day at 2% their body weight or sometimes a little less because they're actually slightly overweight like plump little sausages almost, if any additional info is needed ask away, but what do yall think is this percentage a good amount? Overall does it look like a good amount of everything? Thanks in advance

Could someone please help me figure out the break down of carb/fat/protein etc..

I am trying to make food for my 8 month old GSD + Standard Poodle mix. He is around 68lb now.

I have been banging my head for a day now trying to figure this out. How many OZ of protein, carbs, fats and other stuff I need to feed him per day?

When I look up, e.g., protein I get like 70 grams (1g per pound of body weight), which is ~2.5oz!! That seems way to low to me. What am I missing here?

I have a 2 year old papillon-border collie mix with sensitive teeth and a sensitive stomach. He gets diarrhea with food besides freeze-dried food, but it is SO expensive.

We are going to be making his food from now on, and started with chicken, brown rice, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas and corn), and pumpkin. He loved it and seemed to have good energy, but I want to make sure that the ratios are right so he is getting the right nutrients.

Anyone have an amazing recipe for a 17 pound dog to keep him super healthy?

Thank you SO much!!

Hey fellow dog parents! 👋

I've been feeding my pup some high-quality gently processed food (think Farmer's Dog style) and now I'm looking to level up their diet with some offal.

Quick questions for the community:

• What offal do you guys feed your dogs?
• Do you serve it cooked or raw?
• How often do you include it in their meals?

I'm thinking of aiming for about 5-10% offal in the diet - probably gonna rotate between beef heart, liver, and maybe some tripe.

Any tips or personal experiences would be awesome! Thanks in advance for helping me out.

Long story short, my family has a crap ton of beef (a very scarily large amount) and I was wondering if anyone has some good recipes for homemade dog treats that use beef? We mostly have ground beef so I'd prefer to use that if possible.

What are your thoughts/experience with different multivitamin additives? Azestfor vs. nupro vs canine complete? Or any others you have had good results with.

Just got into making homemade dog food after I did the math on farmers dog vs making it myself. Here's the recipe that I use:

1 cup (dry) brown rice 1 can mixed vegetables 1 lb of uncooked chicken(thigh or ground beef or breast) Beef broth

Is there any essentials that I'm not adding that a dog needs? This is very price effective at less than a dollar per meal

I got a great fish oil and its causing my yorkie diarrhea, gave her such a tiny bit. Then i was like maybe flax for omegas and it said that may not be any better. Will this get better? Is there another source of omegas I can give her? Please help. so stressed. Do I keep giving her the fish oil in the hopes it resolves. ?

I make my dog food in relatively large batches, and would love to find a way to freeze/store without using plastic. Glass is great but can get very heavy and can break. Has anyone found other options with a lower environmental impact than plastic?

Thanks in advance.

I have been trying to utilize this site. It gives the options of human supplements but micro-dosing them (is this ok?). Like for instance, according to my recipe I created, my dog needs some extra iron, b12 and choline. I ordered the human vitamins from pure encapsulations so there are no extra ingredients etc. And I plan on crushing them up and microdosing down. Is this okay? It does say to use canola oil (i have decided against seed oils), not sure if that will affect the calories? It said to also use Nordic oil, but I Just ordered a fish oil that is IFOS approved . So that is where I am. I am disabled and trying to do the best I can for a homemade diet. My dog has ground up chicken, sirloin steak, lamb with pumpkin squash carrots and broccoli and butternut squash with shitake mushroom, banana blueberry. Shes a bit underweight, i'm chalking it up to the lack of canola oil (and the fact that I am not doing rice or potatoes) but I do have that fish oil on the way and started her on the human iron yesterday. I am so stressed out. Based on what I said, am I on the right track? Requesting help from a gentle soul out there . . . . .

I tried olive oil but it seemed to give my pup the runs (although that could have been something I was adding new), so i may try it again.

But balance it.com only suggests canola, walnut (which I didn't think was good for dogs), and corn. I don't want these. Is there an oil I could add to my dog's food that is considered non-irritating to the stomach and healthy? I could try Peanut Oiil for 6 and another oil (suggestions?) for the 3. Not even sure peanut butter oil is healthy. ?

Hey does anyone know an approx guide of what to feed by percentage of weight? I've recently swapped to homemade cooked from raw and am just wondering if I stick to the similar 2-4% or if it's a little less since cooked is denser?

Thanks!

I’m starting to make home made dog food for my 30lb , 9 month old puppy. My questions is. How much Bone Meal should I give her daily for part of a balanced diet. I bought the NOW Bone Meal brand but not sure what is the safe amount to feed my puppy. Does any have an idea how much is the recommended amount to feed?

Anybody know how to make crunchy 'chicken chips' snacks? They're about $18 for 4 ounces at pet store near me but my dog loves them. Just way too expensive. They are easier for him to eat than chicken jerky because he cant grindnand pull with his tiny old teeth anymore. Bag says one ingredient 'chicken breast'. So would it just be ground up, flattened to thickness of a coin, and baked or dehydrated? How long would shelf life be? Thanks!

I am just getting into making homemade food.

I have tried gallon freezer bags but it is difficult to portion things.

Sandwich bags were great for portioning but they leaked everywhere when they thawed.

What do yall use to store your food in a freezer?

I did try searching, but while there are many similar posts, they don't quite fit. So, I've started cooking for our dog (25 kg mutt, sort of a sheepdog, probably had a Karakachan dog among his ancestors).

The goal is not to feed him only home-made stuff, we will still rely on kibble going forward, but at least to replace store-bought cans of wet food, since they're apparently mostly shit, and way too expensive for what they are.

So I've started improvising with whatever innards or offal I can find, which most often is pork hearts, pork lungs, pork windpipe. From what I understand, pork liver should only be given every once in a while. These are readily available in stores, but I'm sure finding other kinds of offal isn't difficult, I'm sure any butcher would be happy to sell stuff people don't eat.

The last "recipe" I used was about 1,5 kg heart, 1,5 kg lungs, about 300 g rice, 300 g potatoes, 300 g carrots, a tiny pinch of salt.

How acceptable is that?

I don’t have any special equipment and no money to buy. I have a toaster oven that has an air fryer and dehydrator option but I have never tried them before. But it’s very small. And also have a regular oven.

Anyway, my puppy is getting bored of her regular treats but she loves cheese and I figured the larger shredded cheese would be good size for training treats. But I don’t want to put a bunch of wet cheese in my treat pouch lol so just curious if there’s any way we could dry them out fairly quickly?

Hi I have a super fussy Pomeranian (who also has a sensitive tummy, loose stools) so I’m trying homemade dog food. Below is recipe - ratios I used were 60% lean meat, 10% offal, 25% veg and 5% fruit/seeds

(I am feeding one meal a day, the other kibble)

Lean meat = 5% fat minced beef

Offal = Lamb liver and kidney

Veg = Sweetpotato, green bean, peas and carrots

Blueberries and seeds (flax and pumpkin mix)

Also added some tinned mackerel, dried ginger, fresh rosemary and egg plus ground shell

Does this seem like a good recipe I can feed long term or have I missed anything?

Creating a dog-safe pizza is a fun treat for your furry friend! Here's a simple dog-friendly pizza recipe:

Ingredients

• Crust:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg

• Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened tomato paste

• Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli
  • A handful of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella, in moderation)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, oat flour, water, olive oil, and egg until a dough forms.
   • Roll out the dough on a flat surface into a small circle or any shape your dog might enjoy.
   • Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Add Sauce:

   • Spread a thin layer of tomato paste over the dough. Ensure it doesn't contain any harmful ingredients like garlic or onions.

3. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle cooked, shredded chicken evenly across the crust.
   • Add chopped carrots and broccoli on top.
   • Lightly sprinkle cheese over the toppings.

4. Bake:

   • Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

5. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the pizza cool completely before serving it to your dog.
   • Cut the pizza into small, bite-sized pieces.

Tips

• Avoid using too much cheese, as high amounts of dairy can upset some dogs' stomachs.
• Always ensure the ingredients, especially the cheese and tomato paste, do not contain harmful additives such as salt, garlic, or onions.
• Introduce new foods to your pet's diet gradually and in moderation.

Note: Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions or allergies.

Here's a simple and nutritious homemade dish that you can prepare for your pitbull. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes to ensure it's suitable for your dog's specific dietary needs.

Pitbull Power Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional for anti-inflammatory benefits)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnishing)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Quinoa/Rice: Cook the quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions if not already prepared.

3. Mix Veggies: Add the chopped carrots and peas to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa or rice to the skillet, mixing everything well. Stir in the olive oil and turmeric powder.

5. Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool completely before serving it to your pitbull. Portion it appropriately based on your dog's size and dietary needs.

6. Garnish: Optionally sprinkle some chopped parsley before serving.

Note: This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Always ensure the food is fresh and at room temperature before feeding it to your dog.

You can feed this homemade dish to your pitbull as an occasional meal, a few times per week, but it shouldn't replace a nutritionally balanced commercial dog food. This ensures your dog receives all necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for their health needs.

Consider these points:

1. Portion Control: Adjust the portion size based on your pitbull’s weight, age, and activity level. Consult your vet for specific portion guidance.

2. Nutritional Balance: While this dish is healthy, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet overall. Ensure your pitbull also eats complete and balanced dog foods regularly.

3. Monitor Health: Watch for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior when introducing new foods. If any symptoms like digestive issues or allergies arise, discontinue the dish and consult your veterinarian.

4. Diverse Diet: Incorporating a variety of approved treats and meals can ensure comprehensive nutrition.

When in doubt, your veterinarian can provide personalized advice to fit your pitbull's dietary requirements.

Here’s a simple dog-safe dessert recipe you can try:

Peanut Butter and Banana Pupcake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (ensure it's xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the peanut butter, oil, banana, water, vanilla, and egg until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased cupcake tin. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Let them cool completely before giving them to your dog.

Tips:

• Portion Control: Serve in moderation to prevent overfeeding.
• Custom Add-ins: You can add dog-safe fruits like blueberries for variety.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Remember to check with your vet before introducing new foods to ensure they’re safe for your dog!

Absolutely! Here's a simple dog-friendly frosting you can use:

Yogurt and Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (xylitol-free)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the yogurt and peanut butter. Stir until it's smooth and well mixed.

2. Apply Frosting: Once the pupcakes have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top.

3. Serve: Let your dog enjoy their treat!

Tips:

• Adjust for Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little water or more yogurt to reach the desired consistency.
• Storage: Keep frosted pupcakes in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

This frosting is not only tasty for dogs but also packed with a little protein boost!

Here's a simple Italian-inspired dish for your furry friend:

Canine Caprese Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ripe tomato, chopped finely (remove seeds)
• Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Chicken Preparation: Make sure the chicken is cooked without any seasoning or oil. Once cooled, shred it into small pieces.

2. Mix Together: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, chopped tomatoes, and basil. Mix gently to not mash the ingredients.

3. Dressing: Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, ensuring everything is lightly coated.

4. Serving: Form small bite-sized portions and serve on a dog-friendly platter.

Tips:

• Tomatoes: Ensure to use tomatoes in moderation to prevent any potential digestive issues for your dog.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

This dish offers a tasty blend of Italian flavors while being safe for your pup to enjoy!

Here are a few more Italian-inspired dishes you can prepare for your dog:

1. Pasta a la Pup

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat pasta (a few cooked plain noodles)
• 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey or chicken
• 1/4 cup steamed carrots, finely chopped
• A teaspoon of olive oil

Instructions:

• Cook and drain the pasta. Let it cool slightly.
• Mix it with the cooked meat and carrots.
• Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

2. Doggy Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup cooked green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
• Warm slightly in the microwave, ensuring it’s not too hot.
• Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

3. Meatball Snacks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Form small meatballs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Cool before serving.

4. Dog-Friendly Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato (sliced and baked)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey
• A pinch of oregano

Instructions:

• In a small baking dish, layer sweet potato slices, cottage cheese, and ground turkey.
• Add a sprinkle of oregano between the layers.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Cool and cut into dog-sized servings.

Tips:

• Portion Control: Serve any of these dishes as treats or part of a balanced diet.
• Ingredients: Avoid onions, garlic, and excessive salt, which are not safe for dogs.

These dishes let your dog share in the joys of Italian cuisine safely!

Certainly! Here's a simple, healthy recipe well-suited for large breed dogs:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1/2 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup of diced carrots
• 1/2 cup of chopped spinach
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil (optional)
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, reducing the likelihood of stomach upset.

2. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice, water, peas, carrots, and spinach to the pot with the cooked meat. Stir well to combine.

4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

6. Add Fish Oil and Turmeric: Stir in the fish oil and turmeric if you're using them. This step is optional but recommended for extra nutrients and health benefits.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it to your dog. Make sure the food is at room temperature to avoid burns or digestion problems.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can also portion out servings and freeze them for up to 3 months for future use.

Nutrition Tips:

• Adjust portions based on your dog's weight and activity level.
• Consult your vet to ensure this recipe meets your dog’s dietary needs, especially if they have specific health issues or dietary restrictions.

This homemade dog food is balanced with carbohydrates, protein, and essential vegetables to promote healthy growth and energy for your large breed dog.

Can your dog eat this everyday

While this recipe can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, it's essential to ensure that it's nutritionally balanced for everyday feeding. Here are a few considerations:

1. Nutritional Balance: Dogs require a balanced diet that includes the right proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe provides a good start, but it might lack some nutrients that commercial dog food typically supplies.

2. Variety: Like humans, dogs benefit from dietary variety. Feeding just one type of meal every day could lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.

3. Consult a Veterinarian: Before making any homemade meal your dog’s primary diet, consult with your vet. They can help tailor the recipe to meet your dog's specific needs and may recommend supplements to ensure complete nutrition.

4. Supplementation: Depending on your vet's advice, you might need to add supplements such as calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, or specific vitamins to ensure comprehensive nutrition.

5. Special Needs: If your dog has specific health issues or dietary requirements, your vet can guide you in adjusting ingredients or adding necessary nutrients.

6. Regular Checks: Keep an eye on your dog's health when feeding them a new diet. Look for changes in weight, coat quality, energy levels, and stool, and report these to your vet.

If your vet approves, this recipe can be part of a balanced diet. However, incorporating variety and possibly supplements will be key to making it a daily meal option.

Here's a simple Lebanese-inspired dish that is safe for dogs:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (alternative to bulgur)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped (remove seeds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook Quinoa and Chicken:

   • Cook quinoa according to package instructions but omit salt and seasonings.
   • Boil the chicken breast in water until fully cooked. Let it cool, then shred it into small pieces.

2. Prepare Vegetables:

   • Wash the cucumber and tomatoes thoroughly, then dice them. Make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, cucumber, and tomatoes.
   • Add the olive oil and mix well.

4. Add Fresh Mint:

   • Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the mixture and combine thoroughly.

5. Serve:

   • Serve a portion suitable for your dog's size, ensuring it complements their regular meals.

Tips:

• Avoid Seasoning: Keep the dish free from salt, onions, garlic, and any spices that are commonly used in Lebanese cuisine but are not safe for dogs.
• Introduce Gradually: Introduce this dish in small amounts initially to ensure your dog has no adverse reactions.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Quinoa: Provides protein and essential amino acids.
• Chicken: A good source of lean protein.
• Cucumber and Tomato: Add vitamins and hydration.
• Olive Oil: Offers healthy fats beneficial for skin and coat.

This dish mimics the essence of Lebanese Tabbouleh but is tailored for a dog's dietary needs. Always ensure your dog's treats and meals align with their health requirements.

Here's a simple and healthy steak recipe for dogs:

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless beef steak (lean cut like flank or sirloin)
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread the chopped carrots and diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
   • Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat them evenly.
   • Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until soft.

2. Cook the Steak:

   • While the vegetables are roasting, heat a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium heat.
   • Place the steak in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked through. Dogs don't need the steak to be medium-rare; a well-done steak ensures safety from potentially harmful bacteria.
   • Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it cool down.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the steak is cool enough to handle, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog's size.
   • In a bowl, mix the steak with the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes.
   • You can sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley on top, which is safe for dogs and can help freshen their breath.

Tips:

• Portion Control: Depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs, adjust the serving size. This treat should complement their regular diet and not replace it.
• Store Leftovers: You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered properly to maintain freshness.

Safety Note:

Always ensure the ingredients are safe and suitable for your dog, avoiding any seasonings or ingredients that could be harmful, such as onions, garlic, or salt. It's also a good practice to introduce new foods gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Creating a safe and healthy drink for dogs involves using ingredients that are both nutritious and appealing to dogs. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh, unsalted chicken broth (ensure it’s low-sodium and free of onions or garlic)
• 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree (not the spiced pie mix)
• 1/4 cup of plain unsweetened yogurt (optional, for added probiotics)
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a blender, combine chicken broth, pumpkin puree, and yogurt. Blend until smooth.

2. Adjust Consistency: Add water if needed to reach a drinkable consistency.

3. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate to chill. Serve a small portion as a treat or to encourage hydration.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken Broth: Provides hydration and is enticing due to its flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Rich in fiber, beneficial for digestion.
• Yogurt: Adds probiotics for gut health (ensure your dog tolerates dairy).

Tips:

• Always introduce new treats and drinks gradually to monitor your dog’s response.
• Consult your vet if your dog has any dietary restrictions or health concerns.
• Serve in moderation. This drink is a treat, not a meal replacement.

This simple recipe combines taste with health benefits, making it a delightful refreshment for your dog.

Creating new flavors for dog treats involves combining ingredients dogs love with what’s nutritious and safe for them. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Research Ingredients:

   • Choose dog-safe ingredients. Common choices include peanut butter, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, chicken, and oats.
   • Stay away from harmful ingredients like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic.

2. Understand Nutritional Needs:

   • Make sure the treats are balanced and not overly caloric.
   • Focus on ingredients that add dietary benefits, like fiber, vitamins, and proteins.

3. Get Creative with Combinations:

   • Mix flavors to create something unique, like apple-cinnamon or chicken-sweet potato.
   • Experiment with textures by adding oats for crunch or purees for moisture.

4. Use Natural Flavor Enhancers:

   • Add a hint of herbs such as parsley or mint for digestion and fresh breath.
   • Use a bit of broth instead of water for added flavor without compromising nutrition.

5. Balance Flavor and Texture:

   • Consider soft treats for older dogs and crunchy ones for younger pups.
   • Balance flavor-to-texture ratios to appeal to various palates.

6. Ensure Safety and Digestibility:

   • Test small batches for digestibility and taste preferences.
   • Monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust ingredient types and quantities.

7. Label Clearly:

   • Develop names and packaging designs that highlight the key flavors and benefits.
   • Make ingredient lists transparent for concerned pet owners.

8. Test and Gather Feedback:

   • Share samples with other pet owners for feedback on taste, smell, and texture.
   • Use their insights to refine your recipes further.

9. Stay Innovative:

   • Keep an eye on trends in human foods and adapt them safely for dogs, like gluten-free or grain-free options.

10. Regulations and Safety Standards:

    • Ensure treats comply with local pet food safety laws and regulations.
    • Consider consulting with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist during the process.

Through experimentation and careful selection of ingredients, you can create unique and enjoyable flavors that dogs will love

Here's a chicken pot pie recipe specifically tailored for dogs:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1 egg
• Optional: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Crust:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, carrots, peas, pumpkin puree, and chicken broth. Add in the cooked brown rice and mix thoroughly.

3. Make the Crust:

   • In another bowl, mix flour, oats, broth, and olive oil.
   • Knead until the dough is firm.
   • Roll the dough out on a floured surface, flattening it with a rolling pin.

4. Assemble the Pies:

   • Cut the dough into circles to fit your baking dish or muffin tins.
   • Fill each crust with the chicken mixture.
   • Optional: Add a top crust layer, using your fingers or a fork to seal the edges.

5. Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and brush over the crust for a nice glaze.

6. Bake: Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before serving to your dog.

Health Benefits:

• It's packed with protein and fiber.
• Pumpkin aids digestion.
• Carrots and peas provide vitamins and minerals.

Note: Always serve in moderation and consult your vet for any dietary concerns specific to your dog.

Hello!

After months of struggling to get my picky dog to eat, I've decided to make my own dog food.

I had a look on Balance IT, but all the recipes it's giving me are saying that there are 10-20 nutrient deficiencies if I don't use their supplement. Shipping to Europe is €40-€70 so not cheap, and it may be subject to customs/import duties etc.

Is there any alternative? I found this online but not sure how it compares.

I'm living in France so have limited access to some things.

Hello All. Our dog was diagnosed with multiple types of cancer and one of our holistic style vets recommended the diet below. Does this seem ok, my wife and I are having a hard time trying to piece it all together as we really just need directions. We also read that code liver oil can be bad for dogs (cause blood toxicity and such). Does this list look ok? Our dog is around 70 pounds (he's a mixture of a good number of working dog and guard dog breeds). We found some local farms that potentially sell duck which we will try to call tomorrow. He got sick before when we tried to give him turkey, so that one is probably out. The vet said that we should be careful about fish and such because she does ultimately want us going raw, but reading about that, I don't know if that's a good idea with his caner and how it can open his already compromised immune system up to e. coli and other things. Any thoughts on putting all this together into proper measurements for a 70 pound dog or anything thoughts. Like I don't even know what organ meats are or how to find them, I just want to help our little pup as much as we can. He already went through a 8000 dollar surgery to remove one type of cancer a couple months ago and they found a different type that they aren't giving him much time, but I want to at least try and if even it fails in the end, want to give him some nice homemade dog food, because he deserves it. Any help would be so greatly appreciated, my wife is trying not to just straight have a panic attack because we are so out of our comfort zone in figuring all this out.

Meat: duck, pork, rabbit, turkey, white fish, small ruminant tripe, bison, herring, occasional salmon, small ruminant bones
Aim for 50-75% of meat, bones, and organ meat.
Bones can be ground to a fine powder or we can find an alternative, if you need.
Vegetables / Fruit: carrots, cabbage, pumpkin, papaya, raspberries, pomegranate, watermelon, strawberries.
Aim for 25% of diet in the veggies and fruits
Depending on which of each ingredient you use, Costello should need between 1300-1600 calories per day on average.
Mix in: 1/2 tsp per day of redmond real salt
1,000 IU per day of a quality cod liver oil (let me know if you need help finding this or if he does not tolerate it)1 tsp per day Animal Essentials Sea-Vital (available on my TCVM pet supply link)

Hi there.

I've heard turmeric is a good addition to homemade do food for a variety of reasons. Any others? I want to make sure the recipes I use are delivering as much nutrition as possible.

My usual recipe:

Chicken thighs

Organs (hearts mostly, sometimes gizzards or liver)

Either sweet potato or carrots

Either peas or green beans

Eggshells

Anything else I should add? Thinking of adding blueberries and bananas, swapping peas/greens for broccoli, and adding some kind of leafy greens.

All would keep an approximate 2/3 meat/organs to 1/3 fruits and veggies.

Thanks!

Just curious - what are your favorite meal enhancers?

My company offers pet services in Denver, CO. We are going to be incorporating "lunch time" this winter to help educate pet parents about ways to enhance their dog's meals. I want to include healthy fruits, veggies, and supplements. I have quite a few ideas, but love to hear what others use as well. These will likely be people that are currently feeding kibble/wet food.